Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy topping, it’s the kind of comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s called “million dollar” because of its decadent, luxurious flavor—despite being made with simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser, this casserole is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is so amazing:

Creamy and Comforting

The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar makes this casserole incredibly creamy and comforting, offering that melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this casserole in no time, and it bakes to golden perfection with minimal effort.

Family-Friendly

This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a great meal for the whole family.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can easily prep this casserole ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or special events. Simply assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.

Versatile

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or even swapping the chicken for another protein, like turkey or beef.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this casserole. They cook up tender and juicy and make a hearty base for the dish.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the key to the rich, creamy texture of the casserole. It blends smoothly with the sour cream and adds a luxurious flavor.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy richness that balances out the richness of the cheese and chicken.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is the primary cheese in this dish, offering a sharp, flavorful kick. You can also mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning mix adds a burst of flavor to the casserole, giving it a tangy, herby taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder enhances the savory flavors and adds a delicious aromatic depth to the casserole.

Shredded Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top to create a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Cornflakes

Cornflakes add a crunchy, buttery topping that’s perfect for finishing off this casserole. They provide the ideal texture contrast.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make this creamy, cheesy casserole? Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook the Chicken

Begin by cooking the chicken. You can either boil, bake, or pan-fry the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well-blended. Add in the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.

4. Make the Cornflake Topping

In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour the melted butter over the cornflakes and toss to coat. Spread the buttery cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring it’s fully covered.

5. Bake the Casserole

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a side of vegetables or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 34g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

With a Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole and adds some crunch to the meal.

Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes

For a heartier meal, serve this casserole over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce.

With Roasted Vegetables

Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when you’re ready.
• Shredded Chicken: You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on the prep work, or cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge.
• Customize: Feel free to add extra ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even bacon bits to make this casserole your own.
• Freezing: To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A1: Yes, you can easily swap in cooked turkey for chicken in this casserole. It works perfectly and offers a great flavor.

Q2: Can I make this casserole with low-fat ingredients?
A2: Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese to make this dish lighter while still maintaining its creamy texture.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A3: Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peas, or even broccoli for a healthier, veggie-packed version.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q6: Can I make the cornflake topping gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free cornflakes or use crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Q7: How do I make the casserole spicier?
A7: Add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I make this in a smaller dish?
A8: Yes! You can scale down the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish if you’re serving fewer people. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Q9: What’s a good side to serve with this casserole?
A9: A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are perfect accompaniments to this casserole.

Q10: How do I make sure the topping stays crispy?
A10: Make sure the cornflakes are well-coated with butter, and bake the casserole until the top is golden and crispy for the best texture.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty meal with your family. With simple ingredients and a rich flavor profile, it’s no surprise that this dish is a favorite for many. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will definitely leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every rich and delicious bite!

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